In Situ Imaging of Nano-Droplet Condensation and Coalescence on Thin Water Films. (28th November 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barkay, Zahava
• Is Part Of: Microscopy and microanalysis. Volume 20:Number 2(2014:Apr.)
• Page Start: 317
• Page End: 322
• Publication Date: 2013-11-28
• Subjects: Microscopy -- Periodicals; Microchemistry -- Periodicals; 502.82
• DOI: 10.1017/S1431927613013834
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1431-9276

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="normal"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>Two related aspects of nano-droplet condensation and droplets coalescence are studied for droplets on self-supported thin water films. The experiments are conducted in the environmental scanning electron microscope using wet scanning transmission electron microscopy. Favorable condensation sites are examined and in-situ position-controlled condensation experiments are conducted. The interaction among condensed multi-droplets as well as between a single droplet and the underneath nano-thick water film are dynamically examined with 10nm lateral resolution. The droplet round shape is reshaped to flat-like facets in-between droplets of 30-230 nm separation. Dynamic imaging of a few minutes duration shows a delayed coalescence effect, being explained by increased droplet-droplet electrostatic interaction relative to van der Waals interaction.</p> </abstract>